Laser Eye Surgery

Laser eye surgery is one of the most significant advances in ophthalmology over the last two decades. The laser can be applied to different parts of the eye and is highly effective in treating a wide range of ocular diseases.

What is laser surgery and how does it work?

The word laser stands for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.”

In ophthalmology, several types of lasers are used to treat different eye conditions. Laser devices are usually identified by the type of gas contained in their plasma tube (argon, krypton, YAG, etc.).

What are the advantages of using ophthalmic lasers?

  • Allows treatment of many patients with minimal risk of infection, almost no pain, and no need for hospitalization.
  • Provides ophthalmologists with a level of precision and control that previous surgical techniques could not achieve.
  • Offers minimal risk and lower costs, enabling treatment of a larger number of patients with a wide variety of eye conditions—often with excellent results.

What eye conditions can be treated with laser surgery?

Some of the treatable diseases are:

Retinal tears or holes

These may lead to retinal detachment and can be treated with laser photocoagulation.

Diabetic retinopathy

A major cause of vision loss, often managed successfully with laser treatment.

Macular degeneration

In some cases, laser treatment can help; however, most patients with age-related macular degeneration do not benefit, as the condition causes gradual damage to the central retina.

Glaucoma

When eye pressure cannot be adequately controlled with medication, laser surgery may be performed to improve fluid drainage and reduce intraocular pressure.